Structural unit



July 19, 1927. 1,636,153

D. H. BITNEY STRUCTURAL UNIT Filed Nov. 6 1925 2 sheets-sheet 1 1N VENTO/e July 19, 1927.

D. H. BITNEY STRUCTURAL UNIT Filed Nov. 6v 1925 2 Shee's-Shee! 2 Tf1-jj@ /NVENTo/e Bell/ey H. 13H/ley BY ATTORNEYS Patented July 19, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT- OFFICE.

DEWEY H. BITNEY, OF ALBION, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO UNION STEEL PRODUCTS COMPANY, F ALBION, MICHIGAN.

STRUCTURAL UNIT.

The. main objects of this invention are: I

First, to provide aconcrete reinforcing structural unit for beams, joist and the l1k e which is well adapted to withstand the d1- agonal stresses.

Second, to provide a reinforcing structural unit which constitutes a combined chair and stirrup, is effective for the supporting of reinforcing elements and may be used in a great variety of relations.

Third, to provide an improved structural unit of the class described which is not likely to be injuredr or deformed in handling.

Objects relating to details and economies of construction and operation of my invention will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow. i

The invention is clearly defined and point` ed out in the claims. Y

A structure which is a preferred embodiment of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this application, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of one of my improved structural units.

Fig. 2 is an end view thereof.

Fig. is a cross section onI line 3-3 of Fin'. l. l

Fig. 4 is a detail view illustrating the relation of the unit in laying a concrete floor.

Fig. 5 is, a fragmentary View on line 5-5 of Fig. 6 further illustrating the use of my structuralunit.

Fig. 6 is a detail fragmentary view partially in section on line 6 6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view showing my improved structural unit in another structural relation.

In the drawing similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, my improved structural unit comprises a plurality of chair members 1 disposed in spaced relation, there preferably being a chair member at each end of the unit and, in the structure illustrated, a central chair member. These chair members have bottom cross pieces 2 disposed in spaced relation to the lower ends of the side members or uprights 3 ofthe units and with the ends of the cross members projecting be ond the uprights, thereby provlding vertica form spacing members 4 and lateral form spacing members 5.-

I also provide a plurality of U-shaped stirrup members 6 which are disposed with their bottom pieces 7 in the lane of the bottom pieces 2 of the U-shaped) chair members. These stirrup members are preferably irregularly spaced, that is, they are closer together at one end of the unit than at the other as it is desirable where used in a flooring, for example, to have the stirrup members more closely arranged adjacent a column or other support.

The chair and stirrup elements are supported in their spaced relation "by means of the bottom longitudinal rod 8 which is arranged on the underside of the bottom pieces of the elements and secured thereto preferably b electric welding and the side longitudinalrods 9 which are secured on the outer sides of the uprights of the elements also preferably by electric Welding.

The upper ends of the uprights of the chair and vstirrup elements are preferably turned laterally providing the projections 10 and the longitudinal rods 9 are secured adjacent to these laterally turned ends. By seruring these longitudinal rods on the outsit e, shipment or storage and, further, they are not likely to be knocked or broken off in the placing of the reinforcing element as the bars l1 and 12. The longltudinal rods may also serve as supports for the cross pieces 13 for bent rods such as 12.

In Figs. 4, 5 and 6 I illustrate the use of my improved structural unit. The same may be placed in a trough-like form 14, the spacing members properly positioning the unit. 'Ihe reinforcing bars can then be positioned as desired, the whole being imbedded by the floor and beam as shown at 15- see Fig. 4. In Fig. 7, I illustrate therelation where a tile, as 16, is used.

-My improved structural unit is capable of wide use, is quickly placed in the forms and is effective` in preventing mistakes or carelessnesson Vthe part of the Workmen asis likely to occur where separate chairs and stirrups are employed.

The units are economically produced and are very effective for the purposefor which they are designed.

Having thus described -my invention, what I claim as new and 'desire' to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A structural unit comprising a pluralseveral of the units may be nested for lll with their bottom cross ity of U-shaped chair elements having bottom cross pieces secured in spaced relation to the\lower ends of their upright-s and projecting beyond the same providing vertical and lateral spacing members, a plurality of U-shaped stirrupv elements disposed in spaced relation between said chair elements pieces in the plane of the said cross pieces of said chair element, the uprights of said chair and stirrup elements having laterally turned upper ends` a bottom longitudinal rod secured centrally to the underside of the said chair and stirrup element bottom cross pieces, and side longitudinal rods secured to the outer sides of the uprights thereof and adjacent but in spaced relation to said laterally turned ends thereof.

2. A structural unit comprising a plurality of U-shaped chair elements having bottom cross pieces secured in spaced relation to the lower ends of their uprights and projecting beyond the same providing vertical and lateral spacing members, a plurality of U-shaped stirrup elements disposed in spaced relation between said chair elements with their bottom cross pieces in the plane of the said cross pieces of said a bottom longitudinal rod secured centrally to the underside of the said chair and stirrup element bottom cross pieces, and side longltudinal rods secilred to the outer sides of the uprights thereof. p l

3. A structural unit comprising a plurality of upright upwardly facing U-shaped chair elements having bottom cross pieces secured in spaced relation their uprights and projecting beyond the same providing vertical and lateral spacing members, a plurality of upright upwardly facing U-shaped stirrup elements disposed in spaced relation between said chair elements, a bottom longitudinal rod secured to.

said chair and stirrup elementbottom cross pieces, Sand side longitudinal rods secured to chair element,

to the lower ends ofI uprights thereof, said 'chair and stirrup elements being supported by said longitudinal rods in relatively fixed spaced relation.

-4. A structural unit comprising upright upwardly facing U-shaped chair members disposed at the l.ends ofthe `unit and provided with form spacing means, a plurality of upright upwardly facing U-shaped stirrup elements disposed in spaced relation to said chair elements and to each other, and longitudinal rods secured to the outer sides of said chair and stirrup elements whereby they are supported in upright relatively fixed spaced relation.

5. A structural unit -comprising upright upwardly facing U- haped chair elements and upright upwardl facingU-shaped stirrup elements dispose chair elements being provided with form spacing members, and bottom and side longitudinal rods secured to the bottom and side members of said chair and stirrup elements whereby they are supported in relatively fixed spaced relation.

6. A structural unit comprising upright upwardly Vfacing U-shaped chair elements and upright upwardl facing U-shaped stirrup elements dispose in spaced relation, the chair elements being provided with form spacing members, and longitudinal rods secured to said chair and stirrup elements whereby they are supported in relatively fixed spaced relation.

7. A structural unit comprising a plurality of upright upwardly facing U-shaped elements disposed in spaced relation, and longitudinalrods secured to said elements for supporting them in upright relatively fixed spaced relation, one or more of said elements being provided with form spacing means.

set as In witness whereof I have hereunto my hand. i

DEWEY H. BITNEY.

in spaced relation, the 

